'You Can't Stick to One Smartie' by Juleigh Howard Hobson
This poem came 3rd place in our competition.
Note: These poems are personal, raw and honest. Some people may find them triggering although they are not intended so.
You Can’t Stick to One Smartie
You want to know what strength is? Strength is a
Smartie per day. Nothing else. Strength is not
One but two runs on that Smartie. Each day
That you can do that, you know that you’ve got
The strength to do anything. But, you’re weak
And, you can’t stick to one Smartie, you need
To eat more or you pass out. People speak
To you about strength, people try to feed
You lies and food. You don’t let them. You know
What it takes. So, your guts are in pain, and
You feel light headed but you have to throw
Up so you can prove to them you can stand
Anything. Anything. Except your own
Bloody weakness that won’t leave you alone
Comments
Author: I have two young adult sons and see daily how society turns a blind eye to issues such as men experiencing eating disorders. It saddens me that in an age where equal rights are demanded as birth rights, so many male concerns are not addressed as the female counterpoints are. It breaks my heart, really. Hence my poem.
Judges:
- moving and powerful emotions evoked through this poem
- gives a very good insight into the intensity of the overpowering feelings of the psychological struggles as well as the physical.
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